When your teen son’s grades are suffering, it can make you feel worried about his future, frustrated that he doesn’t seem to care about school, and concerned that he’s got some mental or physical health issues. Any or all of these reasons can result in a drop in academic performance, and it’s important to identify what’s happening as soon as possible so you and your son’s teachers can take action right away. As a parent, you need to do what it takes to help get your boy back on track in school.
Reasons For Academic Decline
There are a number of reasons for a teenage boy’s academic decline, and some are more serious than others. Identifying the root cause of the school struggles can help parents decide what course of action to take. Parents aren’t on their own either—school counselors, school administrators, therapists, doctors and others are ready and willing to work together to support the struggling teen.
Lack of Time and Skills
Poor study habits can be one reason why a teen boy’s grades are dropping. Often, teens simply don’t know how to study effectively once they hit harder classes in junior high and high school Some teenagers aren’t experienced in time management, asking for help from teachers or tackling bigger or in-depth projects. Other teens are overscheduled with extracurricular activities, hobbies and jobs and may simply not be able to put in the time they need to sustain grades.
The solution for parents is to tap into the vast amount of information available online, in books and at the school for tips on boosting study skills and setting and achieving goals. Inquire about tutors, after school programs and more to help teach teens how to do better in school. For overscheduled students, consider dropping a few activities to focus on school.
Emotional, Behavioral or Mental Health Issues
For many teens, their problems are more serious and affect their grades even more strongly. Teens often struggle with mental health issues that affect their emotional state and their behavior like ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, bipolar, mood disorders, substance abuse, addictions, abuse trauma, and many more. When these issues are not treated, they can affect the way a teen interacts at school with teachers and peers. It can skew their priorities and push academic efforts to the side.
The solution for emotional, behavioral or mental health issues in troubled teens is to get professional help. Licensed therapists can work with teens to get to the root of the issues. School counselors can help the teens with classes, teachers and individual education plans. In extreme cases, alternative schools like therapeutic boarding schools can help teens repair credit, get regular therapy and regain academic standing.
Support Teams for Troubled Teens
When teens are not doing well in school, parents must step in and help them get back on track. Instead of frustration and discouragement about school, teens will soon feel motivated, determined, committed and successful. Parents should also remember that teenage boys can be especially reluctant to communicate, and will often avoid anything that might be seen as critical of themselves and their academic failures. Communicating and taking action are the best things that parents can do to help their teenage son recover academically and move forward toward success.
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